Socrates is often considered the founder of philosophy in ancient Greece. He played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for Western philosophical thought through his method of inquiry, known as the Socratic Method, which involved asking probing questions to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. Socrates did not leave any writings; instead, his ideas were recorded by his students, such as Plato. His influence extended beyond ethics and morality, shaping the way subsequent philosophers approached questions of existence, knowledge, and the nature of reality, which continues to resonate in philosophical discourse today.